BBC local vid 'would damage local radio'

BBC plans to extend regional internet video news coverage would be "highly damaging" to local radio stations, the commercial radio body has said.

RadioCentre, publishing a report on the role of local radio around the UK, said stations had invested in "vital areas" such as news, weather, travel, charities and community involvement.

"This report makes it clear that commercial radio is a vital force for good in society, but particularly in local communities where stations serve audiences with a wide range of invaluable information," said chief executive Andrew Harrison.

"In this context, the proposed introduction of a publicly funded BBC local video service at a cost of £23m to the licence fee payer is not necessary. A state intervention of this nature would be highly damaging to local media markets which are naturally evolving to take account of changing consumer demands."

The BBC plans, which will only go ahead if they are approved by an ongoing BBC Trust public value test, would see each of 60 regions publish up to ten video items each day.